Unpopular Ventures

hostAI provides an AI-native software platform for independent travel brands and short-term rental managers to grow direct bookings and revenue. The platform automates direct marketing, delivers SEO-optimized property descriptions, and offers custom-branded websites with conversion-focused booking flows, helping managers increase direct bookings, boost online visibility, and strengthen brand loyalty while reducing dependence on third-party channels. It also supports automated marketing campaigns and data analysis to personalize guest communications and differentiate properties in competitive markets.

Founded in San Francisco in 2019 by Francesco Wiedemann, Ludwig Schoenack, and Nikolaus Volk, Kyte is a technology and operations company specializing in on-demand car rentals. Customers can access vehicles for durations ranging from days to months, with services including car cleaning and refueling.

Gable is a workspace-as-a-service platform designed to facilitate hybrid work environments for remote professionals and companies. It allows users to find and book neighborhood workspaces that accommodate small groups of four to twenty people, promoting effective collaboration among employees in close proximity. Gable prioritizes safety and quality by conducting background and health checks on all users and ensuring that each workspace meets specific quality standards. The platform provides essential amenities, including WiFi, phone services, kitchen facilities, and collaborative tools like printers and whiteboards. By enabling access to flexible workspaces, Gable supports a productive and connected work experience for remote teams.

Gokada is a mobile application that facilitates motorcycle and taxi rides in Lagos, Nigeria. It offers commuters safe, affordable, and convenient access to transportation via its Android and iOS app.

Founded in late 2021, Homli is a modern real estate brokerage aimed at transforming the buying, selling, and renting experience for consumers across Europe. The company is developing an innovative platform that provides transparency in property pricing and neighborhood dynamics, akin to a European version of Zestimate. By integrating advanced artificial intelligence with a skilled in-house brokerage team, Homli enhances the efficiency and enjoyment of real estate transactions. The firm seeks to redefine the brokerage industry, which has remained stagnant for years, by offering a seamless and transparent service that alleviates the stress typically associated with property transactions.

Doorvest Inc. is a real estate investing platform based in San Francisco, California, that was founded in 2019. The company focuses on assisting busy professionals in identifying, purchasing, and managing rental homes for passive income generation. Its end-to-end platform streamlines the investment process by providing comprehensive tools for users to acquire income-generating properties. Doorvest offers transparency through an investor dashboard that details monthly cash flow, property activities, and essential legal documents, allowing users to effectively track their investments. By facilitating the ownership of rental homes, Doorvest enables individuals to build equity and create a reliable source of income.

Around is a provider of flexible workspace solutions aimed at enhancing productivity for growing companies. The company offers a vast network of office spaces that can be accessed on-demand without the need for long-term contracts or security deposits. Clients can utilize these workspaces on a month-to-month basis, benefiting from essential amenities such as furniture, high-speed internet, and refreshments. By prioritizing flexibility and accessibility, Around enables innovative teams to find ideal environments that foster creativity and collaboration, ultimately reshaping the way work is approached in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

Ozon Mobility is a marketplace focused on providing access to second-hand micromobility vehicles, including bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds, through monthly subscriptions. The company also specializes in motorbike rental software that facilitates motorcycle financing, aiming to enhance financial inclusion for individuals underserved by traditional banking systems. By purchasing used motorcycles and offering them through financing options, Ozon Mobility enables gig workers to acquire affordable transportation solutions, thereby supporting their mobility needs while promoting sustainable urban transportation.

Valia is an online real estate platform that facilitates the buying, selling, and renting of properties in Latin America. The company provides a professional networking site specifically designed for real estate agents, enabling them to connect and collaborate effectively with one another and their clients. Valia's platform employs performance metrics and client reviews to match customers with suitable real estate agents, ensuring a reliable and seamless experience in the property market. Through its innovative approach, Valia aims to enhance the efficiency of real estate transactions and foster collaboration within the industry.

Founded in San Francisco in 2019 by Francesco Wiedemann, Ludwig Schoenack, and Nikolaus Volk, Kyte is a technology and operations company specializing in on-demand car rentals. Customers can access vehicles for durations ranging from days to months, with services including car cleaning and refueling.

Gable is a workspace-as-a-service platform designed to facilitate hybrid work environments for remote professionals and companies. It allows users to find and book neighborhood workspaces that accommodate small groups of four to twenty people, promoting effective collaboration among employees in close proximity. Gable prioritizes safety and quality by conducting background and health checks on all users and ensuring that each workspace meets specific quality standards. The platform provides essential amenities, including WiFi, phone services, kitchen facilities, and collaborative tools like printers and whiteboards. By enabling access to flexible workspaces, Gable supports a productive and connected work experience for remote teams.

Founded in 2018, Landis is a real estate technology company based in New York. It specializes in helping renters become homeowners by allowing customers to select their dream home, rent it initially, and purchase it anytime within the first twelve months. The company also assists customers in building credit and saving for a down payment, providing a transparent process for transitioning from renting to owning.

Founded in San Francisco in 2019 by Francesco Wiedemann, Ludwig Schoenack, and Nikolaus Volk, Kyte is a technology and operations company specializing in on-demand car rentals. Customers can access vehicles for durations ranging from days to months, with services including car cleaning and refueling.

Sniffspot, Inc. is a Seattle-based company founded in 2018 that operates a marketplace application connecting dog owners with outdoor spaces suitable for their pets. The platform allows property owners to list their private yards for rent, providing safe and secure environments for dog owners to train and play with their pets. This service caters particularly to owners of reactive dogs who require controlled settings for exercise. By facilitating these connections, Sniffspot aims to enhance the accessibility of off-leash areas while enabling landowners to earn additional income by sharing their outdoor spaces.

Gable is a workspace-as-a-service platform designed to facilitate hybrid work environments for remote professionals and companies. It allows users to find and book neighborhood workspaces that accommodate small groups of four to twenty people, promoting effective collaboration among employees in close proximity. Gable prioritizes safety and quality by conducting background and health checks on all users and ensuring that each workspace meets specific quality standards. The platform provides essential amenities, including WiFi, phone services, kitchen facilities, and collaborative tools like printers and whiteboards. By enabling access to flexible workspaces, Gable supports a productive and connected work experience for remote teams.

Founded in 2015, Curtsy is a mobile application that facilitates women to buy and sell clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories directly from each other. The platform uses machine learning and human review to assist sellers in merchandising their items effectively and provides shipping kits for seamless order fulfillment.

Founded in San Francisco in 2019 by Francesco Wiedemann, Ludwig Schoenack, and Nikolaus Volk, Kyte is a technology and operations company specializing in on-demand car rentals. Customers can access vehicles for durations ranging from days to months, with services including car cleaning and refueling.

Founded in 2018, Landis is a real estate technology company based in New York. It specializes in helping renters become homeowners by allowing customers to select their dream home, rent it initially, and purchase it anytime within the first twelve months. The company also assists customers in building credit and saving for a down payment, providing a transparent process for transitioning from renting to owning.

Founded in San Francisco in 2019 by Francesco Wiedemann, Ludwig Schoenack, and Nikolaus Volk, Kyte is a technology and operations company specializing in on-demand car rentals. Customers can access vehicles for durations ranging from days to months, with services including car cleaning and refueling.

Founded in 2015, Curtsy is a mobile application that facilitates women to buy and sell clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories directly from each other. The platform uses machine learning and human review to assist sellers in merchandising their items effectively and provides shipping kits for seamless order fulfillment.

Sniffspot, Inc. is a Seattle-based company founded in 2018 that operates a marketplace application connecting dog owners with outdoor spaces suitable for their pets. The platform allows property owners to list their private yards for rent, providing safe and secure environments for dog owners to train and play with their pets. This service caters particularly to owners of reactive dogs who require controlled settings for exercise. By facilitating these connections, Sniffspot aims to enhance the accessibility of off-leash areas while enabling landowners to earn additional income by sharing their outdoor spaces.